For some, the holiday season starts right after Halloween, while others prefer to wait until the day after Thanksgiving (or even later) to bring out the decorations. One way to make a home feel festive is with holiday lighting. But if not used properly, lights can create dangerous hazards and even cause fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, lights are responsible for 40 percent of Christmas tree fires each year.

Whether you’re an early bird or not, the most important thing about holiday decorating is being sure to do it safely. Here are a few important safety tips to follow when decking the house with festive holiday lights.

• Replace old or damaged lights. Before plugging in last year’s lights, inspect each strand for cracked or frayed cords, wires poking through, and sockets with broken or missing bulbs. Dispose of any damaged lights.
• While you’re replacing lights, consider switching to LED lights with epoxy lenses. They remain cool to the touch, use less electricity, and last longer compared to traditional lights.
• Follow the rule of threes. Most manufacturers don’t recommend plugging in more than three sets of lights into a single plug. However, this depends on the strand’s wattage and the maximum capacity of the plug.
• Choose lights with a UL safety certification. This means that they have been designed and manufactured to meet industry safety specifications from Underwriters Laboratories, an independent product safety certification organization.
• Keep your Christmas tree hydrated. A dry tree will be more flammable than one that is properly watered. Remember that a fresh cut tree may need to be watered twice a day at first. Then, check the water level daily and refill as needed.
• Use indoor and outdoor lights properly. Lights labeled “for indoor use only” should never be used outdoors as they are not insulated like outdoor lights. If exposed to rain or snow, they can become hazardous.
• Use light clips instead of screws or nails. Never puncture wires with screws or nails as doing so can cause the lights to malfunction or worse, shock the person installing them.
• Don’t run lights or extension cords through windows or doors. Doing so can cause wires to break or fray from the constant pressure making them a safety hazard for shocks or electrical fires.
• Use a GFCI outlet for all outdoor lights. It prevents electric shock from electrical systems that could be exposed to wet conditions acting as a circuit breaker.
• Secure all loose strands. If you have a long strand of lights between your Christmas tree and outlet, secure it with electrical tape to prevent trips and falls.
• Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the house or got to bed. Better yet, purchase a light timer to turn holiday lights off automatically at a specific time.
• Store decorations carefully and properly until next season. Place indoor and outdoor lights in a well-sealed container to prevent water damage and rodent access.

At Excel Electrical Technologies, your family’s safety is our top priority. From electrical repairs and service upgrades to safety inspections and security lighting, our highly skilled and and trained team of licensed electricians is ready to get to work for you. For more of what you want in an electrician – one that has your best interests at heart – contact Excel today.